Traveling Patients

Does Arch Bariatrics accept patients from outside Missouri?

In addition to the Greater St. Louis Area, at Arch Bariatrics we accept new patients from across the state of Missouri and neighboring states such as Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Indiana, Arkansas as well as from across the country. Our mission is to provide the same excellent care and support each patient deserves as they navigate their weight loss surgical journey and we strive to make the process convenient and comfortable. We are honored you have trusted us to be your partners in your surgical weight loss journey and welcome you to travel to Arch Bariatrics in Saint Louis.

We are here to help!

Our team is dedicated to guide you every step of the way.

First Steps

Do I Qualify for weight loss surgery?

Obesity is a major health challenge and a growing epidemic. Weight loss treatments based on lifestyle changes, diet and exercise may be inadequate to achieve and sustain desired results. Weight loss surgery (Bariatric Surgery) is a medical necessity in many patients suffering from obesity. Our bariatric surgeon Dr. Kumaran Chinnappan is widely known for his expertise, experience and thoroughness.

Attend an Online Seminar or Virtual Consultation

A Virtual consultation can be arranged with Dr. Kumaran Chinnappan by Telemedicine when you can discuss different surgical options and decide on your choice of weight loss procedure. This initial step is feasible without having to personally travel to our office.

We are also pleased to offer our patients free educational non- obligatory online seminars as a great resource to help understand bariatric surgery.

Please contact us to schedule virtual appointment with Dr. Chinnappan to discuss if you qualify for weight loss surgery and your different surgical options.

Work with our Team

A completion of virtual consultation can start the process even as you keep in touch with our team from the comfort of your home.

Our experienced team will contact your insurance company regarding your bariatric surgery coverage and discuss with you different payment and financing options. We offer several affordable self pay options.

You can meet with our dietician by virtual visit 

We can coordinate care to obtain medical clearance and Psychological evaluation as needed.

Finalise a date for surgery and plan your visit to Arch Bariatrics, St. Louis. You will have to meet with Dr. Kumaran Chinnappan in person prior to surgery. This appointment date usually can be coordinated to be closer to your surgery date to minimise your travel.

Plan your travel and be sure to bring a companion.

Travel And Accomodations

With a wide range of convenient and efficient travel options including flying into the renovated St. Louis Lambert International Airport, taking the Amtrak or traveling by road, Saint Louis is an easily accessible destination. Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Alamo, Avis Car Rental as well as several other car rental services provide ease of road transport.

You have several popular lodging options close to the Arch Bariatrics Office location. To name a few-

Holiday Inn St. Louis- South County Center

Hampton Inn & Suites St. Louis/ South I-55

Fairfield Inn & suites by Marriott St. Louis South

Some lodging options near Mercy Jefferson Hospital, Festus, MO

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Festus- St. Louis South

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Festus- South St. Louis

Comfort Inn Festus- St. Louis South

Area Attractions in St. Louis

Be it the historic and renovated Gateway Arch, strolling through the lush Missouri Botanical Garden, or the St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station housing more than 13,000 animals, the spectacular Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis home to the largest mosaic collections in the western hemisphere, the St. Louis Art Museum with its wide and rare collection of art works across centuries and cultures, wandering the scenic Forest Park once home to the 1904 World’s Fair, the stunning Laumeier Sculpture Park with over 70 outdoor sculptures or exploring the Saint Louis Science Center, Saint Louis offers a variety of exciting activities for art and entertainment. Experience dazzling live theater at The Fabulous Fox or enjoy an outdoor show at Forest Park’s The Muny the nation’s largest outdoor amphitheater. Sports enthusiasts and outdoor adventurists will enjoy cheering our 11- time World Champions- the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium during the spring and summer, catching the St. Louis Blues create magic on the ice at the Enterprise Center in the fall or winter, thrill rides at Six Flags St. Louis or discover buried treasure at Meramec Caverns. The City Museum with its unique caves, slides and climbing apparatus, the St Louis Zoo, The Magic House, Grant’s Farm are popular attractions with the little ones.

Post Surgery Follow Up

Recovery after weight loss surgery depends on a variety of factors including the procedure you had and your co- morbidities. Our team at Arch Bariatrics will provide you with detailed instructions regarding your post operative care, diet, exercise, incorporating lifestyle changes, regular follow up visits and answer all your questions to your satisfaction. 

You will have the option of arranging virtual follow up visits by Telemedicine technology or traveling to St Louis for in person follow up visit with Dr. Kumaran Chinnappan.

Remember you are not alone in your weight loss journey!